1990 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTi from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing as yet :)

Having owned Renault 5 GT Turbo's, Honda Civic GTi's, Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v's, I can honestly say that the Peugeot 205 1.9i GTi is the best of the bunch.

Performance comparison of the above is close, maybe the Astra 16v has a very slight edge in a straight line, but the 1.9 GTi has far more character and feels far more sporty with greater owner satisfaction and drivabiity.

Also the 1.9 GTi is better on fuel than all of the hot hatches I have owned, has a huge following whereas other hot hatches have died out and are dated, and also there are plenty of tuning potential and parts still widely available.

In a nutshell... Buy one!

Lifes just too short not too, if only once in your existence, own a piece of motoring history, and decimate some of the smug young lads in there newer inferior saxos and the liking :)

Honda Civic GTi? eh you mean VTi, if you've ever owned one of thoses then I think it's a hard comparision, having said that the peugeot is a fast car and would get similar results to a VTi in the 1/4mile.

I agree totally brilliant car, I'm only 20 yrs old I've driven many cars, but only ever owned a 205 when i was 17 I started with the 1 litre, than had the 1.4xs, then the 1.6Gti and for the past year I've owned a 1.9Gti and I think my next car is going to be another and the next after that will be the same and the next etc etc etc.

Agree with the comments above. A good 205 GTI shows just how much the current hot hatches have lost the plot. Oh sure, they're knocking out 200 bhp these days and are quick enough, but that lightness, agility and "seat of the pants" feel that the 205 GTI had in spades has long gone. They reward idiots with their electronic driver aids, but conservative chassis geometry caused by our litigation culture has killed off any sense of fun at the limit.

The hot hatch concept was never supposed to be about straightline speed - if that bothers you, buy a proper sports car. They were supposed to be about fun on a budget and about sticking a massive grin on your face in the twisties. I still don't believe any of the more powerful, but fat and legislation strangled new rivals are anywhere near as much fun as this old Pug. Finding a good one nowadays ain't easy though. Only a nun could drive one sensibly.